Leprosy Research Initiative

The Leprosy Research Initiative (LRI) is a leading international research funder dedicated to the elimination of leprosy and its associated complications. Established in 2013, it functions as a collaborative venture between several major anti-leprosy organizations, including NLR, American Leprosy Missions, and The Leprosy Mission International. LRI provides a centralized, competitive portal for funding high-quality scientific research that addresses the most urgent needs in the field. The organization focuses on five strategic priority areas: interrupting transmission, preventing disability, promoting social inclusion, developing improved diagnostics, and optimizing treatment regimens. By pooling resources and expertise, LRI aims to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and field implementation to achieve a world free of leprosy.